Feeding and spacing device



June 2, 1931. H. G. ALL-EN 1,808,588

FEEDING AND SPACING DEVICE Filed Aug 2, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

Z7 Howard G. flue)? ATTORNEY.

June 2, 1931. H. G. ALLEN 1,808,588

FEEDING 7 AND SPACING DEVICE Filed Aug. 2, 1928 '4 Sheets-Sheet 2 5 INVENTOR. 3 f/oward G. .flllcn A TTORNEY.

June 2,

1931. H. G. ALLEN 1,808,588

FEEDING AND SPACING DEVICE File g- 2, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 26 40 as I 3 I II II I [/52 l i 1'," 1,11! 1| 50 4, l l l 47 I: r I --.{i/

l l 7 l I 53 I 4r H I 7 55 INVENTOR,

imf w ATTORNEY.

June 2, 1931. ALLEN 1,808,588

FEEDING AND SPACING DEVICE Filed 2, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

Howard fl/len ATTORNEY.

Patented June 2, 1931 umreo STATES PATENT OFF-Ice.

HOWARD e. ALLEN, or NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, \Assrcnoa Ton. R. BLISS oom- PANY, INQ, OF NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION 01 NEW YORK FEEDING AND SPACING DEVICE 8 This invention has to do with a device for feeding articles as regards a machine which performs operations upon the articles and in which. the feeding of the articles-is rendered intermittent so that the operations can be performed at spaced points upon the articles'between the intermittent movements; In'this regard the apparatus of this invention may be 0 rably associated with the machine for performin the operations so as to act in unison therewith. The invention also contemplates a construction in which some of the intermittent movements of the articles fed thereby may be varied so that the operations performed thereon may be irregularly located as regards the articles where such irregular location of the operations are desired.

More specifically, the invention is concerned with a feeding device which is useful in feeding container or box blanks of fibre board-past the stitcher head of a wire stitching machine. The intermittent movements given to the blanks cause the stitches to be spaced apart so that a row of stitches may be effected. At the. ends of a row of stitches it is sometimes desirable, to make an especially strong container, to have double stitches, or in other words, two stitches located in close proximity. Accordingly the invention contemplates a controllablemechanism for varying 0r tripping the feed movements for effecting this double stitch formation. y

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. lis a side view of the apparatus illustrating the mechanism for effecting interml tent feeding.

Fig. 2 is aview similar to Fig.1 illustrating the intermittent feeding mechanism in another position.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the device taken from the side opposite that of Figs. 1 and 2 illustrating thest ructure for effecting variation in the feediiig distance of some of the intermittent movements of the articles to be fed.

Fig. 4 is a top plan View of the device illustrating a clutch construction which is open to effect variation in the length of the feed movement.

Fig. 5 is a similar view illustrating the clutch in closed position. v I i Fig. 6 is a section taken substantially on line 66 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a detail of one of the lever arms which is associated in the structure for effecting intermittent feeding.

Fig. 8 is a section taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 7 illustrating the adjustment ofthe lever of Fig. 7 Y I Fig. 9 is an assembly'view somewhat diagrammatically illustrating the device of 'the invention chine.

Fig. 10 is an end view of the same.

Figs. 11 and 12 are views showing two fibre board members of the container stitched associated with a stitching ma together and illustrating the double stitch at the end of the row of stitches.

There is shown in Figs. 9 and 10 of-the drawings attached hereto. 3. wire stitching machine 1 having a stitching head 2 which is shown at 7. A detailed description of the stitching mechanism is not necessary inasmuch as the invention herein is concerned only with a feeding mechanism which is useful for any sort of stitching machine or the like, it being sufiicient to say that positioned below the stitcher head is an anvil 8 and that the articles to be stitched together,

which may be two fibre board blanks 9 and 10, aredisposed between the stitcher head and anvil. 4 l I As the stitching machine operatesit will be appreciated that a row of stitches in the blanks 9 and 10 will be effected as these blanks are fed: along underneath the stitcher head, and for this purpose an intermittent feeding is necessary to provide periods of rest while the stitcher head is throwing the stitch.

In Fig. 11 the two blanks 9 and 10 are shown secured together by a row of stitches 11, and for the purpose of reinforcing the container to be formed there is an extra j stitch 12 next adjoining stitch, thus formlng double stitches.

' and 16, may be idlers,

driven inasmuch as the two are connec sprocket 25 may a crank handle (not i "K p,"

ateach end relatively close to the It will therefore be seen that to effect the regular spaced stitches in a row, a regular-intermittent movement .of the feed ing ofthe blanks is necessary, regular intermittent feeding must be varied or tripped to effect the double stitches 12. n Associated wit thestitcher are feeding rollers, some of which, as for example while 17 and 18" are together by a belt 19, and-roller 18 is mounted upon a drive shaft 20 carrying sprocket 21 driven by chain 22. Chain 22 runs over driving sprocket 23.

Thisdriving sprocket 23 is rotated by-suitable power means preferably through the means of chain 24, (Figs. 9 and 10) passing over a sprocket 25 on shaft4. Gear 5 an be keyed together and both mounted to freely rotate upon the end of the shaft 4, the purpose of which will later be brought out. 0 Chain 24 drives the sprocket 23 through a speed changing device. This device includes a sprocket 26 (Figs. 1 and 9) which may be mounted upon shaft 27 together with pulleys 28 over which runs a belt 29 with the belt also running over pulleys 30 and shaft 31 in turn equipped with a sprocket 32.v The -speed changing construction may be one of a number of types which are available on the market, and the pulleys 28 and 30 are arranged for adjustment to vary their effective diameter where they are engaged by belt 29 thus to change the *relative speeds between shaft 27 and shaft 31. This may be accomplished -by an adjusting wheel 33 which may be equipped with a chain 34 which runs over the sprocket equipped with variable speed mechanism are not shown and are not essential inasmuch as the same is well understood by those versed in the art.

A chain 35 passes over sprocket 32 and passes over sprocket 36 in shaft 37 (Fig. 1) which also carries a sprocket 38. Chain 39 runs over sprocket 38 and a sprocket 40 on shaft 41, and on this shaft 41 sprocket 23 is secured. v

Accordingly, it will be seen that the driv ing motor J drives the feed sprocket 23 through the several sprocket and chain connections shown with the speed changing device interposed. Accordingly the speed of the sprocket 23 may be varied thus to in i turn vary the speed of the advancing movement of the blanks 9 and 10 as regards the stitcher head. With the stitching machine operating at a given uniform rate, the distance between stitches in a row may be varied by increasing or decreasing the feed movement of theblanks by adjustment of but that'this shown in shown). Details of this the speed changing device, whch be can plained later.

It will be appreciated that a stitching machine throws stitches with successive opera-r tions'with, an interveningl'a of time occurring between each' stitch't rowing move ment Accordingly, it is desirable that the blanks be .fed with an intermittent movement so that the'blanks are stationary at the time a stitch is thrown and so that it'moves during the intervening time between stitches. This is effected by providing a chain 39 with slack, as shown, and alternately releasing and taking up the slack as the chain runs over sprockets 38 and 40. There are two idler sprockets 45 and 46 which en ge chain 39, and these sprockets are carrie respectively upon levers 47 and 48. These levers are pivoted midway of their length, as

This cam device is mountedon shaft 55 which also carries sprocket 56 (Fig 4) by means of which the shaft is riven.

Figs. 9 and 10 chain 57 runs over sprocket 56 which in, turn runs over sprocket 58 on shaft 59, which has a sprocket60, with a chain 61 "running over this sprocket and sprocket 62 onthe stitcher shaft 4. The sprocket 62 is suitably keyed to the shaft 4 but as above pointed out gear 5 rotates on the shaft whereby the shaft and sprocket 62 may remain idle while themotor is runnmg.

A sprocket 5 and sprocket 62 which includes a sleeve 63 slidable on the shaft and slidably pinned to sprocket 5. This sleeve has a groove 64 within which there is engaged a cam operating member 65. This cam is on a rock shaft 66, and on its opposite endis a lever 67 carr 'ng roller 68 w ich is adapted to be engage by the blanks which are to be stitched. As the blanks are fed to the machine they ride underroller 68 thus rocking shaft 66 and actuating cam 65 to slide the clutch sleeve 63 which has a clutching engagement with gear 62 as shown. Accordingly, the motor and gear 5 and all other parts operably connected to gear 5 may run continuously, whereas the stitching head and the sprocket 62 and all other parts operating from sprocket 62 are operated only when the clutch is engaged. The form of clutch here It will be seen, therefore, that at the besuitable clutch is positioned between ginning of an operation, the motor may be started and that gear and sprocket 25 may rotate continuously, and this continuously drives the feeding rollers to 18 inclusive, 5 it being understood that these feeding rollers have been properly adjusted for the speed of feeding by means of the speed changing device interposed between the rollers and the.

motor. The clutch is normally disengaged and thus the stitching machine and the sprocket 62 do not rotate. Accordingly, the cam 49 does not'rota'te and the chain 39 merely runs past the idler sprockets 45 and 46 46 are shown in Figs. 1 and2. It will be observed by reference to these figures, that these idlers alternately take up and release slack on alternate sides of the chain 39.

Assuming'that the arms with the idler sprockets 45 and 46are in any given position,

. as for example, the position shown 1n Fig.

'2, and the motor is running with the clutch disengaged, the shaft 41 rotates with an even continuous movement which corresponds with the continuous rotation of sprocket 38.

This moves the feeding rollers 15 to 18 inclusive, with an even continuous movement,

However,,upon rotation of the cam 49 the lever 47 moves from the position of Fig. 2 to the position of Fig. 1 thus taking up chain coming from gear 38. Viewing Figs. 1 and 2, the gears 38 and 40 rotate clock-wise. Simultaneously with this, the idler 46 moves upwardly toward idler thus releasing slack in the chain. Accordingly, at this time the sprocket 40, and accordingly sprocket 23, and the feeding rollers remain idle as the chain, which is moving over sprocket 38, is. given up by idler 46. and taken up by idler 45. Upon continued rotation, however, idler 45 moves back from the position shown in Fig. l to that shown in Fig. 2 whereas idler 46 also moves back from the position shown in Fig. -1 to that shown in Flg. 2. Accordinglyidler 46 takes up chain while idler 45- releases slack in the chain. Thus the shaft '41 is rotated during this movement of the levers.

Inasmuch as the same amount of chain which moves over sprocket 38 must move over sprocket 40, the sprocket 40 moves with the greater speed than sprocket 38 when the idlers are moved from the\position shown in Fig. 1 to the position shown in Fig. 2. Thus while sprocket 40 is idle in one movement when the clutch is engaged, as by means.

of the levers, it moves at a higher rate of speed than sprocket 38 at the other movement of the levers, and the same amount of chain passes the sprockets 38 and 40 in any given cycle of movement.

This intermittent movement of the sprocket 40 feeds the blank feeding rollers with like intermittent movement so that the blanks are fed intermittently with periods of rest. When the clutch is thrown in the stitcher head 2 is also thrown into operative engagement and the stitcher head and cam 49 operate in unison so that the blanks, which are being stitched, are stationary during the throwing of a stitch. In the interval between the throwing of successive stitches the blanks move forwardly and come to rest again at the time when another stitch is to be laced in theblanks.

In order'that a nicety of adjustment may be hadin the chain 39, the lever 47 may be madedouble, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, with the two parts pivoted independently on ful crum pin 47 a and connected by an adjusting screw 47 b' and set screw 470. Accordingly,

'it'will be observed that by adjusting screw 47?) that the angularity of the two lever parts may be varied and the proper adjustment ma be maintained b the set screw 47 0.

5 thus far descrlbed, the stitches in the row will be uniformly spaced as the appastitches 11 in Figs. 11 and12.- However, the feeding movement is tripped at, proper times for eflecting double stitches, as at 12. For this purpose (see Figs. 4 and 5) sprocket 23 isloosely mounted on shaft 41 and is provided with a clutch member 70. A cooperating clutch member in the form of a sleeve 71 is slidably keyed to the shaft and is backed up by a spring 72 normally tending to keep the two clutch members and 71 in engagement. For operating the clutch sleeve the same may be grooved, as at 73, and a lever 74 has studs 75 engaging in this roove (Figs. 3 and 9). This lever is pivoted, has one end 77 in engagement with the cam 78 (Fig. 5) mounted on shaft 55. This shaft.

-is in operation, and only when the clutchis ratus is in operation, as indicated by the 1 as at 76, and" engaged. Accordingly as the shaft 55 I rotates the cam 78 tends to swing lever 74 on its fulcrum point and disengage the .two clutch members to prevent rotation of the feeding sprocket 23. However, the shaft 55 makes one-rotation for each spacing between each two stitches, and it is desirable to disengage the clutch members 70 and 71 between only some of the stitches and not all of them.

To prevent disengagement of the clutch members 70 and 71 in each feeding move ment, the fulcrum pin 7 6 is carried by a slide 80 acted upon by a spring 81 (Figs. 4, 5, 6). The spring 72 is stronger than the spring 81 and when the cam 7 tends to rock lever 74 in counterclockwise direction, viewing Fig. 5, the spring 81 is extended thus permitting the movement of the fulcrum point.76 instead of movement of the end of the lever 74, which is in engagement with the clutch member 71. Means are provided, however, for blocking this movement of the slide 80 at certain feeding movements in order to keep the fulcrum point 76 fixed whereby the rocking of the lever moves clutch member 71 to open position thus compressing spring 72.

- This blocking means may'take the form of a chain 85 running over an idler sprocket 86, and the'sprocket is advanced with step by step movement by means of a crank 87 associated with shaft 55 and carrying a spring pressed pawl 88. Accordingly, on each rotation of shaft 55 the idler sprocket 86 is adare a number; of blocks 89. Asshown in Fig.

6 the slide 80 carries an adjusting screw 90 which is arranged to abut against blocks 89. It will be seen therefore that in the normal operation of the structure there is no block 89 positioned adjacent the screw 90 and the clutch members 70 and 71 remain in engagement and the blanks are fed to form a row of stitcheswith the stitches evenly spaced apart.

This is because the spring 81 gives instead of spring 72 thus permitting the fulcrum point to move by reason of the slide 80. When one of the blocks 89 takes the position as shown i in Figs. 3 and 6 the slide. is prevented from movement and thus the clutch members 70 and 71 are disengaged so that the feed drivin sprocket 23 is not actuated. v

owever slight spacing is desired between the double stitches 12 and accordingly there must'be some movement of the feed sprocket 23. Accordingly when the feed movement begins at the-time when the double stitch is required, the slide is blocked and thus the clutch is opened and there is no feeding movement. However, at this time the idler sprocket 86 is moved by thedog 88 and the blocks areof such a length as to release the slide near the end of the feeding movement inasmuch as the block moves out from behind the screw 90. This action occurs preferably after the cam 78 has been released from the A lever arm 74. Preferably the arrangement is such at this time that the tooth members of the clutches 70 and 71 come together end to end as the slide is released. As the clutch member 71 is rotated, its teeth slip into en-' gagement with the teeth of the memben 70. This permits members 70 and 71 to engage under action of the spring 72 so that in the last portion of the feeding stroke the blanks are fed forwardly.

For example, the slide may be blocked for approximately three-quarters of the feeding stroke, and then the clutch members 70 and 71 permitted to engage during the last vanced' one step. Carried by this chain 85' the stitches 11 ing movement is blocked for three-quarters of the movement .,thus the-double stitches are For further example, I

be spaced, say two inches apart, but l where a double stitch is required the feedspaced approximately one half an inch apart.

It will e understood that-the blocks 89 on the chain are so positioned as to form double stitches where the double stitch is re quired. In a larger container where the row of stitches is longer, the blocks will "be spaced farther apart in order to form double stitches at. the end of the row; A number of diiferent chains may be kept on hand and the chains may be alternately used on the apparatus to readily adapt the machine for stitching containers of diiferent sizes. Of course the blocks can be arranged so thata double stitch may be had at any point along the length of-stitches if for any reason the same be desirable. 3 i

The controlling of the termittent feeding or the blanks to be stitched by means of the" slack chain construction wherein the slack is alternately abstep by step" or in sorbed and thengiven up by the idler sprockets, is advantageous because .of its positive manner of operation. The slack in the chain is positively controlled by the-cam which runs in unison with the stitching machine and there is no overrunning or vary- I and pawl construction wherein there is much chance for overrunning variation.

Moreover, the trip mechanlsm for effecting the double stitches is, advantageous in that it is also very positive in its action, and also because -of the ease in which the trip mechanism may be varied to accommodate the entire apparatus for making differentstitch arrangements, as is required in containers of dififerent sizes.

The only thing loo required to ,change over the machine from one size container to another is by merely placing a different block carrying chain on sprocket 86', and a number of these can be on hand ready for use. The distance between stitches'in a row can be regulated speed variation drive.

What I claim is: g

1. The combination with a wire stitching machine, of means having normally a uni-. form movement for feeding articles to be stitched past the stitching mechanism, and means acting in unison with the stitching mechanism and acting upon the feeding means so as tot'ranslatethe feeding movement into an intermittent movement with erieds of rest in the movement, the stitchmg machine and the said means acting in by the stitching mechanism actuates during the periods of rest of the intermittent movement.

2. Thecombination with a wire stitching machine, of means having uniform movement for feeding articles to be stitched past the stitching mechanism, means acting in unison with the stitching mechanism and acting upon the feeding means so as to translate the feeding movement into an intermittent movement with periods of rest in the movement, the stitching machine and the said means acting in unison therewith being so timed that the stitching mechanism actuates during the periods of rest of the intermittent movement, and variable speed means for varying the speed of feeding whereby to effect variation in the distance between successive stitches,

3. The combination with a wire stitching machine, of power means for the stitching machine, feeding means for feeding articles past the. stitching machine, said feeding, means being connected with the power means to continuously actuate therewith, and means for translating the movement of the articles imparted by'the feeding means into an intermittent movement, a clutch device positioned between the power means and both the stitching mechanism and translating means, and means for closing the clutch as the articles are advanced to the stitching mechanism.

v 4. The combination with a wire stitching machine, of power means for the stitching ma chine, feeding means for feeding articles past the stitching machine, said feeding means being connected with the power means to continuously actuate therewith, means for translating the movement of the articles imparted by the feeding means into an intermittent movement, a clutch device positioned between thepower means and both the stitching mechanism and translating means," and means for closing the clutch as the articles are advanced to the stitching mechanism, said last named means being in the form of a clutchactuating member positioned adjacent the 1 stitching mechanism and operable by engagement with the articles which are fed to the stitching mechanism.

5. The I combination of a power operated rotary element, a second rotary element through which the power is communicated, flexible means running over the two rotary elements, said flexible means being relatively loosely associated with the two rotary elements, and means for alternately taking up and releasing slack in the flexible means whereby a substantially even rotary movement of the first element effects intermittent movement of the second element.

6. The combination of a rotating sprocket, a second rotating. sprocket, a loose chain run- .ning over the sprockets, said first sprocket driving the second, and means for alternately absorbing and giving up slack in the chain whereb a substantially even 'rotary'movement 0 the first sprocket effects an intermittent rotary movement of the second sprocket.

7. The combination of a rotary sprocket, a second sprocket, a loose chain running over the sprockets, a pair of pivoted levers, idler sprockets on each lever engaging opposite sides of the loose chain, and means for rocking the levers whereby slack in the chain isalternately taken up and released by the idler sprockets to effect an'intermittent movement of the second mentioned sprocket.

8. The combination of a rotary sprocket, a second sprocket, a loose chain runnm over the sprockets wherebythe first drivest e second, a pair of levers each having'an idler sprocket associatedwith opposite sides of the loose chain, and means for rocking the levers so that the idler sprockets alternately-absorb and give up slack in thechain whereby a substantially even rotary movement of the firstsprocket effects an intermittent movement of the second sprocket.

9. In a feeding mechanism, the'combina- I tion of an intermittently rotating element,

means for imparting movement to thiselement including a positive twoway clutch, and means for opening the clutch at determined intermlttent movements of the element for effecting variation of the rotary motion of element at the determined movement.

In a feeding device for feedin an articl with an intermittent movement, t e combination of an intermittently rotating feeding element, means for actuating the element including a clutch, a clutch actuating lever, a movable fulcrum pin for the lever, means for rockin the lever, and means for holding the movab e fulcrum pin stationary at determined times to effect rocking of the lever upon its fulcrum pin to open said clutch.

11. In a feeding device for feeding an ar-' ticle with an intermittent movement, the combination of an intermittently rotating feeding element, means for rotating-this element including a clutch, a spring normally closing the clutch, a lever associated with the clutch, a movable fulcrum pin for the lever,

means actuating thelever during the intermittent' movements of the feeding element which moves thesaid fulcrum pin, and means 1 for blocking the fulcrum pin from movement at determined times whereby the lever' i rocked thereon to open said'clutch. Y

12. In a feeding device for feeding an article with an.intermittent'movement, the combination with an intermittentl movable feeding element, means for moving said ele-' ment including a clutch, a spring normally closing the clutch, a movable slide, a spring acting upon this slide, a lever fulcrumed upon the slide and associated with the clutch, means acting upon the lever at the intersaid second named spring bein open the said clutch.

mittent movements of the feeding element, relatively weak as compared to the first w ereby said second named sprin actuates to permit movement of the sli e with the clutch reaining closed, and means for blocking the movement of the slide at determined times 7 whereby the lever rocks upon its fulcrum to 13; In a feeding device for feeding an. article with an intermittent movement, the combination with an intermittently movable feeding element, means'for moving said element including a clutch, a spring normally closing the clutch, a movable slide, a spring acting upon this slide, a lever fulcrumed upon the slide and associatedwith the clutch, means acting upon the lever at the intermittent movements of the feeding element, said second named spring being relatively weak as compared to the first whereby-said second named spring actuates to permit movement of the slide with the clutch remaining closed, and means for blocking the movement ofthe slide at determined times whereby the lever rocks upon its fulcrum to' open the said clutch, said means being in the form of a ro-' tary' element having a series of spaced blocks into blockmg position successively coming as regards the slide.

, locks.

means for locking the movement of the slide means including a sprocket, a chain running over the sprocket, blocks on the chain which are successively brought into blocking relation as regards the slide, and an adjustable butment on th slide for engaging the 16. In a feeding means for feeding an article to be stitched past a. stitching machine with intermittent movements of the articles so that a row of stitches are placed in the article, the combination of an intermittently operating feeding means, a loose chain runmng over a sprocket, a series of blocks on the chain, and means for rotating this sprocket so that the blocks are brought successively into blocking relation as regards the intermittent feeding means whereby. to

vary the feeding movement at determined intervals to effect double stitches at these intervals.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

HOWARD G. ALLEN.

14;. In a feeding device for feeding an article with an intermittent movement, the combination with an intermittently movable feeding element, means for moving said element including a clutch, a sprin normally closingtheclutch a movable sli e, a spring acting upon this slide, a lever fulcrumed upon the slide and associated with the clutch, means acting upon the lever at the intermittent movements of the feeding element, said second named sprin being relatively weak as compared to the first whereby said second named-spring actuates to permit movement of the slide with the clutch remaining closed, means for locking the movement of the slide at determined times whereby the lever rocks upon its fulcrum to open the said clutch, said means including a sprocket, a chain running over the sprocket, and blocks on the chain which are successively brought into blocking relation as regards the slide.

15. In a feeding device for feeding anarticle with an intermittent movement, the combination with an intermittently movable feeding element, means formoving said element mcluding a clutch, a spring normally closing the clutch, a movable slide, a spring acting upon this slide, alever fulcrumed upon the slide and associated with the clutch,

means acting upon the lever at the intermittent movements of the feeding element, said second named spring being relatively weak as compared to the first wherebysaid second named spring actuates to permit movement of the slide with the clutch remaining closed, 

